From Pain to Pinnacle: Rybakina Crowned US Open Champ & World No. 1!

Elena Rybakina’s journey to the US Open title and the world number one ranking is nothing short of remarkable. Just weeks before the tournament began, the Kazakhstani star arrived in New York unable to walk without pain due to an aggravated foot injury.

I was so upset. I didn't know actually how it was going to be day by day,

Rybakina recounted. An MRI didn't look promising, and for several days, walking was a painful ordeal.

However, with the support of her team and a dedicated doctor, a plan for recovery was put into motion. Rybakina skipped on-court training for a week, focusing instead on daily recovery sessions in the gym and finding ways to “switch the mind” with trips to dinner and the cinema.

Despite the challenging lead-up, something magical unfolded at Flushing Meadows. The 27-year-old produced a brilliant performance in the final, overcoming two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. This victory not only secured her third Grand Slam title but also mirrored her Australian Open success against the same opponent earlier in the year.

Rybakina's path to the final was equally impressive.

She won her first four matches without dropping a set, including a dominant display against four-time major winner Naomi Osaka.

Her later triumphs included beating Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals and outlasting third seed Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, showcasing her incredible resilience and skill.

Even in the final, where her usually potent serve misfired in the first set, Rybakina's composure shone through. While Sabalenka grew visibly frustrated as the match progressed, Rybakina remained a “machine,” as former British number one Annabel Croft described her.

Despite a couple of double faults while serving for the title, Rybakina sealed her victory with her 12th ace of the match, earning her the biggest celebration of her major wins, a rare smile and both arms raised in triumph. Having already been confirmed as world number one by reaching the semi-finals, her victory cemented her place at the pinnacle of women's tennis. “I was so unlucky with the injury, but I'm very proud,” Rybakina said. “I still can't believe it.”

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